4.11.2018

Temecula is a fairly small town about an hour north of San Diego. I've lived here most of my life, and although I have a love/hate relationship with remaining so close to where I grew up, there is one thing I absolutely do love about this area - the wineries. Even if you aren't too keen on wine, passing some time on a lazy Sunday afternoon is sure to please. I've seen all different types of people enjoying themselves, from bridal showers to retirement parties, birthdays, anniversaries, you name it. Weddings are of course a big draw too, and you'll probably spot a blushing bride at one of the popular venues.

I won't claim that I've been to every single winery Temecula has to offer, but I have been to most. In preparing this post, I thought about a few things that I feel are universal to having a great experience. They include: friendly staff, beautiful grounds, ambiance, and of course good wine! With those criteria in mind, I have rounded up five wineries that you must visit if you're ever in town.

South Coast Winery

South coast is probably Temecula's most popular winery. It has a luxurious spa, so it's perfect for a girls' day!

Check out the cellar lounge at the Inn, which is directly next door to the winery itself. We stop here for a quick drink sometimes when we are wanting something other than wine.

Wilson Creek

This is the brunch spot! Wilson Creek is known for its champagne, in particular the almond champagne. Try it, but don't forget the Tahitian Vanilla as well.

Robert Renzoni

This is the winery that Nate and I belong to, and by belong I mean we are wine club members. We get two bottles of hand selected wine every other month, and we can utilize certain perks for members only. Their wines are, in my humble opinion, the best in Temecula. Try "Big Fred's Red" or their "Lyric Rose." The winery itself reminds me of something you'd see in Tuscany.

Miramonte

This winery stays open until 10pm during peak season in Summer, complete with live music. Try the sangria! It's all we ever drank there. We used to be members at Miramonte but it became so crowded that we decided not to renew our membership. It's truly beautiful though, as it has the best views of the countryside.

Carol's Restaurant at Baily

Although Baily didn't make the cut for top five, I do highly recommend their restaurant. It's only open from 11AM - 3PM on the weekends, but it's worth it! I love the tossed cobb salad, sweet potato fries, and shrimp scampi.

There are guided tours, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, and more if you want to do something a bit more family-friendly. Temecula wine country is gorgeous and I'm so grateful it's down the street from our house! I hope you'll give it a try if you're ever in southern California!

These are all beautiful wineries! We are a far cry from wine country where we live, but there are a few around us and I am ashamed to say I've never been to any! I need to make a day date with my husband this summer and change that!

Oh I love this post! Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Despite living so close to Temecula we've only been there a handful of times, and the only place we've been on this list is Robert Renzoni, thanks to you, of course! I'll definitely have to use this list as a reference and try some of the others!Gina || On the Daily Express